60 YEARS AGO

MAY 5, 1966

Marion County Elementary Music Festival, participated in by smaller grade schools of the county and co-sponsored by Tabor College’s music department, was Friday evening. Because of unification of many of the schools, this will be the final festival.

Viola Jost received a surprise honor when Sister M. Catherine of Pilsen, representing teachers of participating schools, presented her with a corsage in recognition of years of effort with elementary music students of the county.

Plans are rounding into shape for Marion’s annual combined Spring Show, scheduled for May 21. A sidewalk sale will be offered throughout the business section. Other activities of the day will be at the show grounds east of town. Included will be a farm implement and equipment show followed by a beef barbecue and horse show.

A photo on the front page shows St. Luke Hospital candy stripers Cathy Costello and Jan VanBuren as they deliver a tray of food to Benjamin Ehrlich, who has been a patient at St. Luke for many months. Others in the candy striper program include Becky Coe, Maurita Deines, Debra Glover, Rita Hein, Shelly Hett, Jan Herrick, Joyce Maltbie, Linda Oldham, Nancy Olsen, Connie Thompson, Roxy Zerger, and Joyce Ford.

A large group took part Tuesday evening in the 50th anniversary celebration of Tampa Cooperative Association at the Tampa Grade School.

Work is proceeding rapidly on continuing widening Main St. The block receiving attention this time is the south side, east of 4th St. Work extends from the new Swann Drug building east past the post office to the river. A new water main was being laid at the same time.

Norman Bowers recently received his appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bowers of Marion.

Three Marion County co-op elevators and a farm co-op will complete their merger this week and start combined operations as of May 1. They are the Farmers Co-Op Association of Marion, Farmers Co-Op and Mercantile of Lehigh, and Farmers Equity Union and Farmers Cooperative Supply, both of Hillsboro.

According to Frank Svitak, operator of the popular polka dance hall at Pilsen, the world-famous Malina Accordion Orchestra will be at Pilsen, playing for a dance Saturday night at Starlite Ballroom.

Babies delivered this week at St. Luke Hospital are Charles Richard Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Owen R. Smith of Marion, born April 21, and William Thomas Shirley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shirley Jr. of Marion, born April 22.